The Official June 2014 Study Group Forum

[Straw_Mandible]

and even on the date, prep to score.

goes without saying

[BaberhamLincoln]

REALLY impressed that you even got WL'd with a 161. You are wayyyyyy below median with that score. Did you cure cancer?

Nah, but I'm just...different. (I know that sounds trite. I apologize.)

(4) What was your process the first time? We want details.
(5) What is your score breakdown? For example: LR -5, LG -4, RC - 10.
(6) At a 161, you are solid on fundamentals. Work mostly on weaknesses. If you don't know what those are, find out!
(7) The key is review. By that, I mean "blind review."

Because it was a year ago and this past year has been pretty crazy, I don't remember my exact process. But I explained some of it a few posts above, what I can remember.

I will definitely take your advice on the books, figuring out my weaknesses, looking at breakdowns (which I did last year but no longer have).

Prep to a SCORE, not a DATE.

Agreed. Unless the date involves flowers, a movie, and dinner at an expensive restaurant.

Totes ma goats.

[WaltGrace83]

I thought I would be done drilling by the end of February - it's April and I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of my true capabilities.

Thank God you posted this, Walt. I feel like I am way behind for 3 and 1/3 months studying, but I feel like even though I have improved alot, I still have potential to improve significantly.

Nothing to be worried about, man. It's all about the end result.

[alexrodriguez]

Well, I'm going to be honest guys...

Scored a 153 on the first PT today.

Then scored a 155 on the second PT.

Obviously I'm not thrilled with the results, but I am pretty confident in my stamina. I am pretty exhausted, but I know I could have taken a third if I really wanted.

I remember a few months ago I couldn't get through the first section of a PT without freaking out and having a mental breakdown.

With 60 days I hope to make some significant gains. I'm considering taking an LSAT course with an instructor. It's like $800 and I think I'd feel a lot better in the future knowing I tried everything possible to score higher.

I don't know whats going on with my logic games ability. Today I had -10 in PT 39 and then in PT 40 there was one game that I couldn't even figure out.

Anyways... with my goals a 160-165 is all I really need. I still would love to go to a T14 but UF or UM would be completely fine.

Still after a 180 though!

[alexrodriguez]

No matter what happens I'll know this process of studying has given me something.

It's given me a drive to learn something. It's showed me what the life of a law student will be like and I can honestly say that it's the sort of life that I would like to live.

I may not have as much natural ability as some of you, but I can sit in the library and work just as hard as anybody.

Anyways... no matter what I score... whether its a 150, 160, 170, 180... I'm excited about the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhzNSPiqO0M

[BaberhamLincoln]

No matter what happens I'll know this process of studying has given me something.

It's given me a drive to learn something. It's showed me what the life of a law student will be like and I can honestly say that it's the sort of life that I would like to live.

I may not have as much natural ability as some of you, but I can sit in the library and work just as hard as anybody.

Anyways... no matter what I score... whether its a 150, 160, 170, 180... I'm excited about the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhzNSPiqO0M

Lrod, you got this!!
Stay optimistic, like the quote about being confident a couple pages back!!
You'll do well. I can't do 2 in a row that's for sure

[dd235]

Well, I'm going to be honest guys...

Scored a 153 on the first PT today.

Then scored a 155 on the second PT.

Obviously I'm not thrilled with the results, but I am pretty confident in my stamina. I am pretty exhausted, but I know I could have taken a third if I really wanted.

I remember a few months ago I couldn't get through the first section of a PT without freaking out and having a mental breakdown.

With 60 days I hope to make some significant gains. I'm considering taking an LSAT course with an instructor. It's like $800 and I think I'd feel a lot better in the future knowing I tried everything possible to score higher.

I don't know whats going on with my logic games ability. Today I had -10 in PT 39 and then in PT 40 there was one game that I couldn't even figure out.

Anyways... with my goals a 160-165 is all I really need. I still would love to go to a T14 but UF or UM would be completely fine.

Still after a 180 though!

Congrats on the endurance! I would still recommend slowing down a little though. As others have stated, it is all about quality and not quantity. It is vital that you spend most of your time reviewing, and not simply doing as many questions as you can.

[WaltGrace83]

Lou, what are your breakdowns? Any areas you are particularly struggling at?

[manillabay]

You just gotta keep that head up guys. Just keep knocking out those LG's. Keep reading those RC's. Keep dissecting those MBT's. This is the final countdown. It's time to put up or shut up, for real.

[MtnGinger]

Just checking in guys! I'm so nervous for June. I'm still not sure if I should wait until the October one but honestly I just want to have it over with so I have the summer to focus on perfecting my application. I'm aiming for a 175+ and just took a PT and hit 174. I know that one time doesn't mean that it will happen but it gives me hope for June. Let's keep the momentum going!

[alexrodriguez]

PT 39

LG -10
LR -7
LR -9
RC -10

PT40

LR -9
LG -7
LR -11
RC -8

Tomorrow's review should be interesting. I guess I'm struggling equally in all areas.

[WaltGrace83]

PT 39

LG -10
LR -7
LR -9
RC -10

PT40

LR -9
LG -7
LR -11
RC -8

Tomorrow's review should be interesting. I guess I'm struggling equally in all areas.

The LG scores are inexcusable and you need to bring those way down. Are you drilling LG?

[tfinndogm]

The LG scores are inexcusable

*goes and hides last PT LG section score*

....

[santoki]

The LG scores are inexcusable

*goes and hides last PT LG section score*

....

To those of you struggling with LG...take it from someone who was in the same boat. After proper reviewing and drilling, I now LOOK FORWARD to this section and pray to god that it's also my experimental. I consider it another break in the exam...it's actually kind of fun! Drill til you fill your...grill...with...skill....

[WaltGrace83]

Lou,

Why don't you post the ones you got wrong on LR and we can help you out: your thought process, reasons for choosing the answers, etc. I personally would love to be of any assistance I can. You can definitely improve to above a 160-165 but there is something in your approach that you are just flat out doing wrong.

[barnett2525]

hey guys, does this post belong here instead?

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6&t=227742

(my first post on this forum, started a thread)

[santoki]

Please do what WaltGrace says Lou...i think it'd be a help to all of us!

[jk148706]

PT 39

LG -10
LR -7
LR -9
RC -10

PT40

LR -9
LG -7
LR -11
RC -8

Tomorrow's review should be interesting. I guess I'm struggling equally in all areas.

How are you reviewing? Honestly if you're still missing that many, I think it's time to ditch PTs for a while and drill drill drill.

I think it's key to internalize the arguments on LR, and understand why each answer is wrong/right. Take as long as you need on each question to understand it. If it takes you a half hour browsing the Manhattan forums before you get why an answer is credited, so be it. It will help u in the end.

Also, idk what you are doing for lg, but I suggest 7sage. Do a single game over and over and over and over until you have the process essentially memorized for that game. Watch the 7sage video each time. There is a pattern to the games, and doing the same game over helps one see the pattern.

[BaberhamLincoln]

How important is it to do 5 sections in one sitting rather than 4? I know the real test is 5, and PT's are 4. I know the idea is to get your brain ready for the additional work that 5 sections takes over 4, but does it really matter?

Anyone have a strong opinion either way?

[BaberhamLincoln]

The LSAT Trainer has a plan built in!

Are you referring to the website/book? The site has a few schedules (I would use the 8 week one) that reference the book so I assume you need to buy the book as well.
There's just so many books! Manhattan, LSAT trainer, and then actual tests. I'm confused on what to get and how to plan it out.

[santoki]

The LSAT Trainer has a plan built in!

Are you referring to the website/book? The site has a few schedules (I would use the 8 week one) that reference the book so I assume you need to buy the book as well.
There's just so many books! Manhattan, LSAT trainer, and then actual tests. I'm confused on what to get and how to plan it out.

Yep I'm referring to that schedule. Of course you have to buy the book! In my opinion Trainer and MLSAT are the most credited and MUST-HAVEs. Actual tests are also built into the Trainer schedule, because it tells you to buy a book of 10 actual LSATs.

No one ever said it was going to be easy...

[Straw_Mandible]

How important is it to do 5 sections in one sitting rather than 4? I know the real test is 5, and PT's are 4. I know the idea is to get your brain ready for the additional work that 5 sections takes over 4, but does it really matter?

Anyone have a strong opinion either way?

Extremely important. Optimal performance on this test depends on so much more than just knowledge of the material/ability to answer question types correctly in isolation.

You have to build up your mental acuity and strength not just to endure the length of the test, but to be at the absolute top of your game for every single question you answer, passage you read, and deduction you make.

You should be physically capable of enduring at least twice the length of the test, with minimal loss of focus, if you really want to perform at your best on test day. This is not just a test of your knowledge. This is a test of your mental discipline. That's why we train this way.

[BaberhamLincoln]

This is not just a test of your knowledge. This is a test of your mental discipline. That's why we train this way.

I don't know why, but I totally pictured the above quote being said by Optimus Prime.
http://youtu.be/bCwZJa35u_Q


For real though, makes sense. Thank you guys.

[alexrodriguez]

Well I still need to review everything which is probably going to take me forever, but here are all the LR questions I got wrong from PT 39 and 40.

PT 39 LR

Section 2 (Ones I got wrong and answer I chose)

Q2 (C)
Q4 (A)
Q13 (C)
Q14 (E)
Q18 (D)
Q21 (C)
Q22 (B)

Section 4 (Ones I got wrong and answer I chose)

Q1 (B)
Q7 (B)
Q10 (D)
Q11 (C)
Q14 (B)
Q15 (A)
Q17 (A)
Q18 (B)
Q19 (A)
Q26 (C)


PT 40 LR

Section 1 (Ones I got wrong and answer I chose)

Q4 (C)
Q13 (A)
Q15 (B)
Q17 (D)
Q 18 (A)
Q 21 (D)
Q 23 (C)
Q 24 (D) I remember this question pissing me off and how I was in a rush.
Q 25 (D)

Section 3 (Ones I got wrong and answer I chose)

Q1 (A)
Q11 (B)
Q12 (D)
Q14 (E)
Q15 (D)
Q17 (E)
Q22 (E)
Q23 (D)
Q24 (D)
Q25 Left Blank
Q26 Left Blank

[Straw_Mandible]

This is not just a test of your knowledge. This is a test of your mental discipline. That's why we train this way.

I don't know why, but I totally pictured the above quote being said by Optimus Prime.
http://youtu.be/bCwZJa35u_Q


For real though, makes sense. Thank you guys.

Fun fact: At the risk of outing myself to future adcoms, I am Optimus Prime.

Please don't quote.